History of Summit County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 185

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892?; Graham, A. A. (Albert Adams), 1848-
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey
Number of Pages: 1104

USA > Ohio > Summit County > History of Summit County, with an outline sketch of Ohio > Part 185

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ORISON MOORE, Montrose. This gentle- man was born in Brookfield Township, Trum- bull Co., Ohio, Sept. 21, 1822. He is the son of Lester and Ruth (Twining) Moore, both of whom were natives of the Bay State. In 1812, Mr. Moore came to Ohio and purchased a tract of land in Trumbull Co., and two years later moved to his property and began its improve- ment. They remained in that county until 1837, and then removed to Norton Township, this county. Mr. Moore was a soldier of the war of 1812, and held a Captain's commis- sion. He was an energetic man, kind of heart, and ever ready to help his fellow-man. This last characteristic proved a detriment to him, as he lost heavily at different times by going secu- rity for those whom he thought to assist. In his family were eight, all of whom are now living, and who are the heads of respectable families. Mr. Moore died in 1859, and his wife in 1851. Orison Moore received such educa- tion as the schools of that early day afforded, and remained at home, assisting his father upon the farm until about 25 years of age. He was united in marriage to Miss Fanny Root Jan. 24, 1847. She was born in Summit Co.,

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Ohio, Jan. 11, 1828, and died Jan. 19, 1875. On the 30th of March, 1876. Mr. Moore was united in marriage to Miss Zilpha Stark, who was born Nov. 15, 1842, in Stow Township, this county. Mr. Moore came to this county in 1837, which he has since made his home, with the exception of ten years that he resided in Portage Co. He has lived in Bath Township since 1864, where he owns a nicely-improved farm of 108 acres. He is a stanch Republican in politics, and one of the most practical and successful farmers and stock-raisers in Bath Township.

HENRY PARDEE, Ghent. This gentleman was born in Skaneateles, N. Y., April 15, 1826. He is the son of Harry and Fanny (Benedict) Pardee, both natives of the "Empire State," where they were married and resided until 1828, when they came to Ohio and settled at Middle- bury, in what is now Summit Co. Mr. Pardee was a chair-maker by trade, and, soon after lo- cating in Middlebury, began working at his trade. It was not long ere his facilities for manufacturing were inadequate for his rapidly increasing trade. He, therefore, erected suit- able buildings, and, in a few years, he found that he had the largest business of the kind in Northern Ohio. Besides manufacturing all kinds of cabinet-ware, he made pails, tubs, etc., ete. In 1849, he moved to Akron, and, for some years, was actively engaged in business in that place. He owned a saw-mill in North- ampton, where the greater portion of the mate- rial used by him was gotten out. He employed a great many men, and was one of the most active business men the county ever had. A number of years previous to his death, he moved to Northampton Township, where, on the 6th of February, 1879, he quietly sank to rest. He was the parent of the following fam- ily of children : Margaret, Henry, James, Hor- ace, Mary, Edward, Luther, Elijah, Albert and Martha. Horace and Albert were soldiers dur- ing the late war, and well and faithfully served their country. Mr. Pardee was one of the first men in the county to engage largely in the man . ufacturing business in any manner, and to him more than any other does Middlebury and Akron owe their large and extensive manufact- ories and the thrift and enterprise that charac- terize them. He possessed several qualities of a high order, and was noted for his nobility of soul and his scrupulous honesty. In early life

Mr. Pardee was admitted a member of the Ma- sonic Order, and was greatly delighted with its principles and teachings, availing himself of every opportunity to acquire a knowledge of the work and to comprehend the sublime prin- ciples of the Order. His widow survives him at the advanced age of 80 years, though she is as smart and active as many ladies at 50. Henry Pardee received the benefits of a com- mon-school education, and, until he was 33 years of age, worked with and for his father in different capacities. He was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Prior, in 1846. She was born in Geauga Co., Ohio, in 1828. From this union there are four children, viz .: Julia, Julius, Har- riet and Enoch. In 1856, Mr. Pardee came to Ghent, but, after a year, returned to Northamp- ton, where he remained some three years and then returned to Ghent, and, in connection with Mr. Alonzo Coffin, rented the woolen-mill of that place, and for four years was engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods. At the ex - piration of that time he sold out to Mr. Coffin, and embarked in mercantile pursuits in the vil- lage. In this business he remained until a short time ago. During this period he was village Postmaster, and was engaged in manufacturing two-horse wagons, chairs, tables, and was one of the founders of a cheese factory at that place. He is now engaged in manufacturing water- proof goods known as the "Hammerstain process." This is a superior way of preparing waterproof goods, and gives universal satisfac- tion wherever it has been tried. By this pro- cess the fabric is. proofed on both sides, which makes it entirely waterproof, and at the same time impervious to heat or cold. Mr. Pardee also has discovered a process for making one of the cheapest and best fire-kindlers as yet man- ufactured. The manner and rapidity with which he has completed and perfected these two im- portant industries reflects great credit on him, and will be a lasting monument to his memory in time to come. This same energy and thor- oughness have characterized his every walk in life. He has been successful because he has been cautious, thorough and industrious. He is well respected because his conduct has been above reproach. He has held numerous posi- tions of honor and trust, and is a respected and honored citizen.

RUFUS RANDALL, M. D., Bath. This gentleman and well-known physician and sur-

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geon, was born in Sharon Township, Medina Co., Ohio, July 7, 1834. He is the son of Delano P. and Lois (Huntley) Randall, both of whom were natives of the Empire State. They were married in their native State, and were the parents of four children, viz., James, Rufus, Marcellus and Harriet. They came to Sharon Township, Medina County, in an early day, where the father yet resides, the mother being (lead. Mr. Randall was a carpenter by trade, but has for the most part been engaged in farm- ing and mercantile pursuits since he came to Ohio. He is a good man and useful citizen, and has the respect and confidence of all who know him. Rufus was raised upon his father's farm, and received the benefits of a good com- mon-school and Academic education. When about 17 years of age, he began the study of medicine with Dr. C. W. Northrop, with whom he remained about a year, and then went to Columbus, Ohio, and entered the office of Dr. John Hamilton, one of the most skillful surgeons and successful practitioners in the West. He remained under Dr. Hamilton's in- structions until he graduated from the Starling Medical College, which was in 1858. Soon after graduating, he located at Hanmond's Cor- ners, where he has since resided and where he has built up a large and steadily increasing practice. Always a careful and close student of Pathology, as he found it in his practice, he has become a leader in the use of new and rational remedies, and with surprising and uni- form success. He was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Roberts, in 1863. This lady was born in Copley Township, this county, Dec. 3, 1841. From this union there were three chil- dren, viz., Effie B. and Cora La Q., living, and Ida M., deceased. Dr. Randall has been a life- long Republican, and an earnest advocate of equal rights and all needed reforms. He is a member of the Masonic order and one of the county's best citizens.

SYLVESTER SHAW (deceased). This gen- tleman was born in Bristol, Ontario Co., N. Y., March 5, 1806. He was married in his native State Oct. 16, 1828, to Miss Harriet Parsons, a native of Ontario Co., where she was born Aug. 11, 1809. In 1832, they left their native State for Bath Township, this county, arriving at their destination on the 18th of November of the same year. They came the entire dis- tance in a large wagon drawn by oxen, and, on

their arrival in the township, moved their goods into a small log cabin that had been built on their land. In this they lived until one more comfortable and commodious could be erected. Both Mr. and Mrs. Shaw, however, were ener- getic, and it was not many years ere they were surrounded with a great many comforts and conveniences. They were the parents of the following family of children, viz .: Harriet C., Sylvester P., Vashti M., Samuel, Marietta, William, Sibyl B. and Constant. Mr. Shaw was a hard-working man, and accumulated a goodly share of this world's goods. He was a man who paid strict attention to his farm duties, never aspiring to any political promi- nence, although he was decided in his views of right and wrong, which he never failed to express when occasion required. This useful man and much-respected citizen departed this life Nov. 17, 1875. His widow survives him, and resides upon the old homestead. She is an intelligent Christian lady, and has the respect of all who know her. Constant Shaw was born on the old homestead Nov. 20. 1852. He married Miss Cora I. Worden Oct. 15, 1874. She was born in Richfield Township, this county, Dec. 24, 1852. They have one child, viz., Leon. Samuel Shaw was born Aug. 11, 1838. He was married, Sept. 15, 1860, to Miss Lucy Webster. She was born in Ontario Co., N. Y., May 21, 1838. They have two children, viz., Loretta and Berdella. Sylvester P. Shaw was born Aug. 25, 1831. He was united in marriage to Miss Sarah R. Moody March 23, 1856. She was born in Richfield Township Nov. 20, 1838. They have four children, viz .: Gilson B., Hattie V., Durward B. and Bertha V. There are other members of the family who are married and are the heads of respecta- ble families. All the Shaw boys are well-to-do farmers and respected citizens.

CHANCY SALISBURY, Ghent. This gen- tleman was born in Bath Township, this county, March 10, 1830. He is the son of William and Sylva (Atwell) Salisbury, both of whom were natives of Ontario Co., N. Y. They were mar- ried in their native State, and removed from there to this county in 1827. Mr. Salisbury had come to the county the year previous and purchased 75 acres of land in Bath Township. In his family were eight children, five of whom are yet living. He was a newsboy in Buffalo during the last war with England and witnessed

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the burning of that place by the British. He always followed farming after his marriage, a business he was very successful at. He was renowned for his sobriety, economy and straight dealings, and it is said by those who knew him that " his word was just as good as his bond." He died April 8, 1863, and his wife Feb. 24. 1867. Chancy was raised upon a farm receiv- ing a common-school education. After reach- ing his majority, he worked by the month for his father and for men in the neighborhood. Hle worked some fourteen months in Indiana, and one winter in Wisconsin. He was united in marriage to Miss Maria Hopkins Sept. 28, 1870. She was born in Bath Township June 25, 1830. Mr. Salisbury has always followed farming and stock-raising. He owns 100 acres of well-improved land, nicely situated, near the center of the township. He is a Republican in politics, and has filled several township offices with great acceptance. He is an enterprising, public-spirited man, and a useful and honored citizen.

HOUSEL SMITH, Montrose. This gentle- man was born in Springfield Township, Summit Co., Ohio, Oct. 14, 1824. He is the son of James and Sarah (Housel) Smith, both of whom were natives of Lancaster Co., Penn., where they were married and resided until 1812, when they moved to Lake Township, Stark Co., Ohio. After about two years they moved into Spring- field Township, it being then a part of Stark Co. They were the parents of seven children, viz., Peter, Catharine, John, Cyrenius, James, Housel and Amelia. Mr. Smith always fol- lowed farming and stock-growing. He was a successful business man, an exemplary member of the M. E. Church, and a useful member of society. He departed this life in 1857. His widow survives him and resides north of the city of Akron. Housel Smith received but a limited education, and, up to the time he was 18 years of age, worked for his father. He was then given his time, and began working his father's farm on the shares. After about eight years, he purchased 50 acres of land in Bath Township and began its improvement. In a few years he sold this farm and purchased 104 acres where he now lives. He has since added to this until he now owns 140 acres of good land, which he has nicely improved. He was united in marriage to Miss Susanna Moore March 6, 1851. This lady was born in Spring-

field Township, this county, May 6, 1830. From this union there are eight children, viz., Eman- uel C., John N., James A., Robert H., Sarah L., Charles H., George E. and Margaret J. Mr. Smith is a Democrat in politics, and a member of the United Brethren Church. He began life as a poor boy, and is a self-made man in the fullest sense of the word.

MICHAEL SPRANKLE, Ghent. John Sprankle, the father of this gentleman, was a native of the Keystone State; when he was quite a child, his parents removed to Stark Co., Ohio, where they entered a large tract of land. Here John Sprankle was married and resided until 1833, when he moved to Summit Co., settling in Bath Township ; he was a miller by trade, and that, in connection with farming, he followed during his life-time ; he was the par- ent of two sons and five daughters ; he was a hard-working man, and always paid strict at- tention to his own affairs ; he was scrupulously honest, and was esteemed and respected by all who knew him. Michael Sprankle was born in Stark Co., Ohio., March 23, 1821. His ad- vantages for obtaining an education were very limited, and from early boyhood was inured to toil, he remaining at home until about 21 years of age ; he then rented a farm of his father in Stark Co., and began doing for himself. He was united in marriage to Miss Eliza MeGrew, in 1843 ; this lady died in a few years, leaving a son and daughter, viz., Charles and Lucinda. Mr. Sprankle was married June 13, 1848, to Miss Harriet Albertson, a native of Stark Co., where she was born Nov. 25, 1828; by this union there were eight children, four of whom are yet living, viz., Oliver, Edwin, Collins and Allie A ; those deceased were named-Alonzo, Burton, John A. and Cora E. Mr. Sprankle continued to reside in Stark Co. until 1865. when he moved to Bath Township, this county, which he has since made his home. He began life as a poor boy and has by his own exertions and the assistance of his good wife secured a goodly share of this world's goods ; he owns 363 acres of well-improved land, and is one of the best and most practical farmers in Bath Township ; politically he is a Republican ; he and wife possess social qualities of a high order, and are among the leading citizens of the town- ship.

J. M. THORP, West Richfield. The parents of this gentleman, Manville B. and Fanny W.

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(Clark) Thorp, are among the early settlers of the county. Manville B. Thorp was born Feb. 7, 1808, in the Empire State, and his wife in the Bay State, March 7. 1811. They were married in Bristol, Ontario Co., N. Y., Nov. 3, 1832, and two years later came to Bath Township, this county, where they have since resided. Jere- miah, father of Manville B., was a soldier of the war of 1812, and his father, Nathan Thorp, served his country in the war of the Revolu- tion. Manville B. Thorp and wife, on first coming to this county, settled on the farm now owned by them in Bath Township, there being no improvements on the land at that time. They are the parents of five children, all of whom are now living. Mr. Thorp has always been a hard-working, enterprising and public- spirited citizen, and has been very successful in all his business undertakings ; he owns over 300 acres of good tillable land, which is nicely improved. J. M. Thorp was raised upon a farm and received a good common-school education ; he was united in marriage to Miss Vashti M. Shaw, May 24, 1857 ; she was born in Bath Township this county, Aug. 30, 1834; they have four sons, viz., Elwin C., Warren S., Ayers C. and Maynard B. Mr. Thorp was born in Ontario Co., N. Y., Nov. 25, 1833 ; in 1863, he began the study of dental surgery, and after some years began its practice at Akron, to which place and Richfield, Ohio, his practice has been confined, he always finding enough to do. He has an office at Richfield, and has a good paying practice ; he is a quiet, unassuming man, and possesses the confidence and esteem of all who know him.

JOSEPH F. WHITCRAFT, Bath ; John Whitcraft, the father of this gentleman, was born in Fayette Co., Penn., in 1797. While he was yet a small boy his parents removed to Jefferson Co., Ohio, and from there, after a few years, to Stark County. Here his youth and early manhood was passed, his education being such as the log schoolhouse afforded. He was united in marriage in 1823 to Miss Eleanor Harkins, a native of Westmoreland Co., Penn., where she was born in 1800. Her parents had removed from the Keystone State to Wayne Co., Ohio, in 1813. Soon after their marriage, Mr.

and Mrs. Whitcraft took up their residence in Stark County, where they resided until their removal to Bath Township, this county, in 1832. The year previous Mr. Whiteraft had come to the township and purchased 822 acres of land. He did some clearing and erected a log cabin, in which the family moved upon their arrival. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Whitcraft, viz., William, Thomas, Hugh, Samuel, Joseph F., Esther, John, Silas, Nancy and Eleanor, seven of whom are yet living. Mr. Whiteraft was a prominent and respected citizen, and held during his life- time many positions of honor and trust. He was renowned for his strict business principles, integrity, and readiness to promote the public good. This good man and pioneer departed this life in 1842. His wife survives him at the advanced age of 81 years. She has a very re- tentive memory and is as smart and active as many ladies at 50. Joseph F. Whitcraft was born Sept. 22, 1830, in Stark Co., Ohio. His early education was limited, being confined to such as could be obtained in the log-cabin schoolhouse. He was but 12 years of age at the time of his father's death, and he remained at home helping to care for the younger members of the family until he was of age. He then took charge of the farm, which he resided upon until four years ago, when he came to Ham- mond's Corners and engaged in mercantile pur- suits. He was united in marriage to Miss Adaline A. Miller, March 22, 1855. This lady was born in Richfield Township, this county, June 20, 1834, and is the daughter of Moses C. and Anna (Compton) Miller, who were among the first settlers of this county. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Whit- craft, four of whom are yet living, viz., Clara B., Jennie E., Mariam I. and Sigel B. The de- ceased were named Cora E. and Sherman. Mr. Whitecraft is a stanch Republican and is Postmaster at the "Corners." He has held positions of honor and trust, and is highly spoken of as an official. He was a delegate to the Kent Convention in 1855, and voted for James A. Garfield for State Senator. He is a pleasant, courteous gentleman and one of the county's best citizens.

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FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP.

JACOB BREITENSTEIN, Sr., lawyer, Clin- ton. He is the oldest and only son living of Jacob Breitenstein, who was married to Barbara Sweithauser, both natives of Ober Rhein Kreis, Germany. He came to this country with his parents in 1836. They came to Marshallville, Wayne Co., Ohio, and remained there one year, when they removed into Chippewa Township in the same county. They remained there fifteen years, when they came to Franklin Township, this county. His education was received in the common schools of Germany, attending school but six weeks in this country. He worked on his father's farm until 24 years of age, when he married Lydia Keller, a native of Pennsylvania. He worked for six years as a coal miner, after which he bought a small farm of 24 acres with his earnings. He carried on farming very suc- cessfully until 1876, when he retired. He then began practice as a lawyer in the Justice's Courts. By his industry and economy he has amassed considerable wealth, and is now owner of five farms, including a valuable and rich coal mine, which yields him no small income. He has six children-John, Jacob D., Elias, Daniel, Andrew and Mary. He has served as Town- ship Trustee for a number of years, and is a Notary Public. He is a member of the German Reformed Church. His parents came to this country very poor, and all he has was acquired by his own exertions.

MATHIAS DAVIS, retired farmer ; P. O. Johnson's Corners ; was born Sept. 23, 1810, in Pennsylvania. His father, John Davis, with wife and ten children, emigrated from Pennsyl- vania to Ohio, and settled on the farm where Mr. Davis is now residing, in 1817. The par- ents have long since gone the way of all mor- tals, and but four of the children survive, viz., Mathias, Nancy, Christina (now Widow Hassett, living in Hudson Township with her son), and Mary living in Carroll Co. Matthias took charge of the farm when about 19 years of age. He and a brother farmed it together for several years. Their location is one of the most nat- urally picturesque spots in the township, being quite elevated, overlooking the valley of the Cuyahoga River for miles, and immediately

over the Erie & Ohio Canal. The first wheat raised for market in this vicinity, was that grown by Mr. Davis, which was sold for 50 cents per bushel, and one of the first lots ever shipped to Cleveland on the canal was a lot of Mr. Davis' for which he received about 50 cents per bushel. Mr. Mathias Davis never married, and is now well advanced in years ; lives in very comfortable circumstances, and cares for an aged and feeble sister ; he is a man of gen- erous and hospitable impulses, though very un- assuming ; his memory is replete with incidents of early pioneer life and hardships, which both old and young were necessitated to endure dur- ing their struggle for existence in the unbroken forest.

ANDREW DONNENWIRTH, saddler, Clin- ton. He is one of the nine children of John Donnenwirth, a native of Alsace, France, who married Margaret Lang. He was born in Canal Fulton, Stark Co., Ohio, Dec. 19, 1845. He received a common-school education, and learned the trade of saddler. He came to Clin- ton in 1865. There he began his career as a bus- iness man, by carrying on a harness and saddle business. In 1868, he opened a general store, doing a good business until 1880, when he again worked at his trade. He was married in 1869 to Mary A. Ingraham, a native of England. They have five children-Ross, Willie, Belle, Lorena and Daisy M. He enjoys the confidence and good-will of his fellow-citizens, and was recent- ly elected Justice of the Peace. He is a mem- ber of the English Lutheran Church.

DAVID D. DAILEY, farmer ; P. O. Nimisila. He was born in Blair Co., Penn., Nov. 15, 1817. He worked on his father's farm until 1841, when he came to Franklin Township, and has been here ever since. He was married in 1846, to Elizabeth Row ; they had one son, Adam ; wife died in 1850 ; he was remarried, in 1852, to Anne Holl. They have four children-Andrew, Catharine, Michael and Clara. He is one of the prominent and well-to-do citizens of his township.

LEWIS EVERHARD, traveling salesman, Nimisila. He was born in Plain, Stark Co., Ohio, Nov. 26, 1829. He was raised on a farm,

FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP.

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and obtained a common-school education. He came to Manchester, Ohio, in 1866 ; began his career as a salesman with the Warthorst Stone Co., of Massillon, Ohio, in 1869. He was mar- ried, in 1854, to Anne Hoy. They had two children-Frances E. and John H. She died in 1869. He was remarried, in 1871, to Nancy Williams ; one child, Lottie O., is the fruit of this marriage. He is a member of the Disciples' Church.

DAVID GROVE, farmer ; P. O. Nimisila ; was born in Franklin Co., Penn., July 3, 1822 ; is son of Jacob and Rachel (Dice) Grove, who were also natives of Pennsylvania. They emi- grated to Ohio in 1832, with their five children, viz., David, Polly, Solomon, Arabella and Jacob ; three others were born to them after their re- moval to this State, viz., Ephraim, Rachel and Hannah ; these are all living. Mr. Grove lo- cated in this township, and spent the remainder of his life here, and died in the 72d year of his age. David was married to Mary Long Oct. 12. 1844. They have reared four children, viz., Byron F., Eliza, Mary and Emma. Mrs. Grove was born in Westmoreland Co., Penn., and was brought to Wayne Co., Ohio, by her parents when about 2 years old. Both Mr. and Mrs. Grove are familiar with the hardships of pioneer life, but enjoy a competency earned by their own industry and care.

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History of Summit County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 185

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892?; Graham, A. A. (Albert Adams), 1848- Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey Number of Pages: 1104

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892?; Graham, A. A. (Albert Adams), 1848-
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey
Number of Pages: 1104